Camera Bag: My Favorite tools and more!

My Go-To Photography Gear in my camera bag & Why I Love It

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Here’s a peek into my camera bag, when I typically use each piece, and why they’ve become my must-haves.
One of the most common questions I get as a photographer is, “What kind of equipment do you use?” Over the years, I’ve refined my kit to fit my style — gear that gives me beautiful results whether I’m photographing a couple at the riverbed in Christoval, Texas, or capturing the action at a ranch horse show.

The Heart of My Kit: Nikon D750

View Nikon D750 on Amazon

My main camera body is the Nikon D750, a full-frame DSLR known for its gorgeous image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance. I use it for almost all of my work — portraits, events, horse shows, and detail shots.

Its ability to capture sharp images with true-to-life colors means I can shoot confidently in natural light and still have flexibility in editing. It’s also light enough to carry during long sessions without feeling like I’ve been lifting weights all day.

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50mm Lens – The Classic Portrait Favorite

View Nikon 50mm f/1.8 on Amazon

If I had to pick one “can’t-live-without” lens, this would be it. I use the 50mm for portraits, lifestyle shoots, and couple sessions, especially when I want that dreamy blurred background (bokeh).

It’s perfect for when I want my subjects to pop while keeping a natural perspective — and it’s small and light enough that I’ll often keep it on my camera during casual shoots.

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85mm Lens – My Close-Up Secret Weapon

View Nikon 85mm f/1.8 on Amazon

The 85mm is my go-to for romantic close-ups, senior portraits, and detail shots where I want to keep some distance from my subject while still filling the frame. The compression makes features look flattering and backgrounds soft and painterly.

It’s especially beautiful during golden hour, when it catches that warm, glowing light just right.

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24–120mm Lens – The Versatile Event Lens

View Nikon 24–120mm f/4 on Amazon

This is my “don’t know what’s coming” lens — I use it for events, family sessions, and horse shows where I need to switch from wide shots to close-ups in seconds. It covers a huge range and saves me from changing lenses during fast-moving moments.

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70–300mm Lens – The Action & Distance Lens

View Nikon 70–300mm f/4.5–5.6 on Amazon

This lens is my go-to for horse shows, sporting events, and wildlife photography — anything where I need to capture a subject from a distance without disturbing the moment.

It’s also great for candid shots at weddings or events, letting me stay unobtrusive while still getting intimate, emotional frames.

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On-Camera Flash – Controlled Lighting Anywhere

View Nikon SB-700 Speedlight on Amazon

While I love natural light, my on-camera flash comes out for indoor receptions, dimly lit barns, and cloudy day sessions when I need to brighten things up without harsh shadows. I use it to enhance the light, not overpower it, so everything still feels natural.

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Monopod Stand – Mobility with Stability

View Manfrotto Monopod on Amazon

The monopod is a favorite for horse shows and event coverage. It gives me stability with long lenses like the 70–300mm but still lets me move around quickly to follow the action.

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Tripod Stand – Precision & Stability

View Manfrotto Tripod on Amazon

My tripod comes out for group portraits, long exposures, low-light shots, and fine art projects where I need complete control and zero camera shake.

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Mac Desktop – My Editing Hub

View Apple iMac on Amazon

Back in the studio, all my editing happens on my Mac desktop. I love the crisp, color-accurate display for fine-tuning tones and details, and the speed means I can work efficiently without long load times.

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Lightroom & Photoshop – Where the Magic Continues

View Adobe Creative Cloud Photography Plan

I use Lightroom for the bulk of my workflow — exposure adjustments, color correction, cropping, and batch editing to keep my style consistent. Photoshop is my go-to for more detailed retouching, object removal, or creative enhancements.

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Caden Camera Bag – Carrying My Gear with Ease

View Caden Camera Bag on Amazon

All of my gear fits perfectly in my Caden camera bag, which keeps everything organized, protected, and easy to carry. I love how it holds my Nikon D750, lenses, flash, monopod, and tripod accessories without feeling bulky.

I typically use this bag for all on-location shoots, whether I’m heading to a riverbed engagement session, a family portrait session, or a fast-paced horse show. Having a reliable bag like this lets me focus on capturing the perfect shot instead of juggling equipment.

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Why This Setup Works for Me

Every photographer’s style is different, but my gear is built for versatility. Whether I’m shooting a quiet engagement session, a bustling horse show, or a rustic ranch wedding, I have the right tool for the job without being bogged down by extra equipment I don’t use.

At the end of the day, my gear isn’t just about specs — it’s about how it helps me tell a story. This setup lets me capture moments in a way that feels authentic, timeless, and true to the people (and animals!) in front of my lens.

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